Leroy Joseph Thompson, Jr.

VIEWING/SERVICE INFO: Friday,March 11, 2011, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. George’s Catholic Church, 19199 Saint George Church Rd, Valley Lee, MD. Interment: St. George’s Catholic Church Cemetery.

Leroy Thompson, Jr., affectionately known as “Jr,” “J.R.,” or “Hardrock,” was born on June 22, 1941, in Valley Lee, Maryland, to the late Leroy Thompson, Sr. and Catherine Shelton Thompson, and died on March 4, 2011.

Jr. started his formal education at St. Peter Claver School and graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in June 1959. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in November 1959, completed his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, and was stationed at multiple locations including New Jersey, California, and Europe. Jr. received an honorable discharge after serving 5 years.

After returning home from the service, Jr. worked at Dick’s Grocery Store; and, for a number of years, was the proprietor of Happyland Bar and Thompson’s Foodway. Jr. learned the fine art of butchering while working at Thompson’s Foodway, a trade that he used at family gatherings throughout his lifetime. In August 1978, Jr. began working for the St. Mary’s County Board of Education. He held various positions throughout his 25 years with the school system, including his final position as Equipment Repairman III, in charge of his own department. This job allowed Jr., on an everyday basis, to do one of the things that he loved – maintaining and repairing electrical equipment. He retired from the Board of Education in June 2004.

Jr. had many times stated: “I like making things out of junk, etc.” Very early on, Jr. had a passion for creating art work including making money origami, jewelry, lamps, and aluminum can art. Jr. was especially known for making homemade cards for all occasions. His most recent love was digital photography. Jr. found great pride and joy in cropping the heads of family and friends and putting them in unexpected places. His works of art are displayed throughout the homes of his family and friends.

An active member of the UCAC (Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions) Historical Committee, Jr. was very instrumental in working with the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism to develop the brochure titled “African American Sites in St. Mary’s County.” Jr. also worked tirelessly as the official photographer for the Citizens for Elfreda Mathis campaign committee to create and design campaign advertisements. A long-standing member and usher of St. George Catholic Church, Jr.’s religious beliefs were evident in his interactions with both family and friends.
An active member of the UCAC (Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions) Historical Committee, Jr. was very instrumental in working with the St. Mary’s County Division of Tourism to develop the brochure titled “African American Sites in St. Mary’s County.” Jr. also worked tirelessly as the official photographer for the Citizens for Elfreda Mathis campaign committee to create and design campaign advertisements. A long-standing member and usher of St. George Catholic Church, Jr.’s religious beliefs were evident in his interactions with both family and friends.

Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Catherine Thompson; his daughters, Monique Coates Johnson (Roy) and Nocola Thompson Williams (Quincy); his grandchildren, Justin DeLoatch, Joshua Coates, Corrine Williams, Quinten Williams, Jaiden Johnson, and Jamison Johnson; his siblings Dolores Cooper (James), Alma Jordon, James Thompson, Theresa Turner, Brenda Coates, Joyce Blackwell (Wayne), Robert Thompson, Harry Thompson (Melody), Kendall Thompson (Maureen), Dorothy Waters (Tommy), Darlene Boggs (Larry), and Robin Johnson (Eugene); his special niece, Tania Jordon; his aunt, Agnes Shelton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves to cherish his memory the following special friends: Melva Ann Coates (mother of Monique), Barbara Ann Forrest Thompson (whom he married on August 19, 1968, and mother of Nocola), Irene Gross, Bernard Thompson, Joseph Price, Francis Fenwick, and Lenny Quade.

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